Indigestion, bloating, abdominal pain, body aches, heartburn, lack of energy etc. - did you know that these symptoms often have a connection with poor intestinal health and reduced function in one or more places in the digestive tract?
Hippocrates claimed that “All disease begins in the gut”
This hypothesis may seem like an exaggeration, but we know today that gut health is of great importance for both physical and cognitive/mental health.
Well-known stomach and intestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), unbalanced intestinal flora (dysbiosis), leaky gut, food sensitivities, and even diseases such as celiac disease and Crohn's disease, can have major impacts on quality of life and everyday life. In fact, it is estimated that up to 20% of the population is affected by the diagnosis of IBS, i.e. one in five Norwegians.
Many also live with ailments, such as inflammatory conditions, skin problems, respiratory ailments, pain and other diffuse symptoms that they do not associate with intestinal health, but which in many cases turn out to stem from the conditions mentioned above.
It is our opinion that rather than accepting and coming to terms with one's ailments, there is always something one can do to get better. By having the underlying causes of the problems identified, and treating them, it is possible to reduce your symptoms - and in many cases to recover completely.
Big sister advice
Physical activity
Regular exercise can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Physical activity helps regulate bowel movements. The increased gastrointestinal motility comes from stimulation of the vagus nerve and/or reduced blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract, which in turn can lead to an increase in the distribution of important gastrointestinal hormones. Increased bowel movement can cause the bowel to get rid of gas, and thus bloating and pain can be reduced. Muscle work also releases the body's own morphine (endorphins), which also act as pain relievers. Regular exercise 2-3 times a week for at least 30 minutes is recommended. You can choose the form of exercise you like best, for example brisk walking, jogging, swimming, training at a fitness centre, ball sports and other.
Medicinal advice
Medicines have no documented place in the treatment of intestinal complaints. Treatment with drugs is symptom-based and focuses on the symptom that is most troublesome. Your doctor can prescribe medicine as a supplement to lifestyle changes, if the condition requires it. If you have so many problems that you do not function socially, the family is affected, you are away from work etc. then medication may be appropriate. These may be medicines intended to relieve stomach pain and/or bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. In the long term, however, one should have an existence without medication.
Psychotherapy
As intestinal problems are very similar to the stomach's reaction to stress, it can be useful to use forms of treatment for relaxation and stress management. The core of therapy is support to master their problems, and at the same time help to change inappropriate thought patterns and behaviors that are associated with the problems. At the same time as they may have contributed to maintaining some of the problems. Many have ended up with adaptation and coping strategies that can have a negative influence on the symptoms. Here, a manual therapist or physiotherapist can help to identify this and to change strategies if necessary.
Alternative treatment
There are a number of preparations and methods that are claimed to help without being scientifically proven. Many people resort to alternative medicines, but feel free to tell the doctor about it. Listen to your reason, your body and your doctor.
Some alternative products I recommend trying are:
-VI-SIBLIN testa ispaghulae- Volume-increasing fiber preparation
-Our plant-based fermented products containing sporebiotics and cultures of mesophilic lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria ( Buy here )
-Also try to add lots of fermented foods to your daily routine!